North American Robotics Companies Set New Records for First Half of 2013

(Ann Arbor, Michigan) – North American robotics companies have set new sales records through June of
2013, according to new statistics released from Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry’s trade
group.

A total of 10,854 robots valued at $679.3 million were ordered from North American robotics companies
in the first six months of 2013, an increase of 1.9% in units over the same period in 2012 and 1.3% above
the previous first-half record set in 2005.

Shipments to North American customers through June totaled 11,308 robots valued at $715.1 million,
breaking the previous first-half records set in 2012 by 11.0% in units and 10.4% in dollars. Overall, three
out of the four orders and shipments categories tracked by RIA set new records.

The activity was especially strong in non-automotive industries such as Semiconductors, Life Sciences,
and Food & Consumer Goods, all of which posted double digit growth through June. In the auto industry
segment, traditionally highly cyclical, orders through June were up sharply to tier suppliers, down to
OEMs, for an overall decline of five percent.

“While the automotive industry is still the largest customer for robotics in North America, it is great to
see such positive growth in other industries,” said Jeff Burnstein, President of RIA. “North American
robotics companies continue to diversify the industries they serve, which is a positive sign for the long
term health of our industry.”

RIA estimates that some 230,000 robots are now at use in United States factories, placing the US second
only to Japan in robot use. “Many observers believe that only about 10% of the US companies that could
benefit from robots have installed any so far,” Burnstein said. “A very large segment of small and
medium sized companies who may have the most to gain are just now beginning to seriously investigate
robotics.”

Founded in 1974, RIA represents some 300 companies, including leading robot manufacturers,
component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms. RIA’s
quarterly statistics report is based on data supplied by member companies representing an estimated 90%
of the North American market.

For more information on RIA and the robotics industry, visit www.robotics.org or call RIA Headquarters
at (734) 994-6088.